Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

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Read

Jonah 2:1-10 (NRSV)

Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, saying,
“I called to the Lord out of my distress,
and he answered me;
out of the belly of Sheol I cried,
and you heard my voice.

You cast me into the deep,
into the heart of the seas,
and the flood surrounded me;
all your waves and your billows
passed over me.

Then I said, ‘I am driven away
from your sight;
how shall I look again
upon your holy temple?’

The waters closed in over me;
the deep surrounded me;
weeds were wrapped around my head

at the roots of the mountains.
I went down to the land
whose bars closed upon me forever;
yet you brought up my life from the Pit,
O Lord my God.

As my life was ebbing away,
I remembered the Lord;
and my prayer came to you,
into your holy temple.

Those who worship vain idols
forsake their true loyalty.

But I with the voice of thanksgiving
will sacrifice to you;
what I have vowed I will pay.
Deliverance belongs to the Lord!”

Then the Lord spoke to the fish, and it spewed Jonah out upon the dry land.

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Reflect

You know when Jonah was swallowed in the belly of the fish, he had some time to ponder on things. Jonah knew that God heard, when he cried out to Him. It’s still the same today, when we are caught up in situations and circumstances of life that toss us about and keep us all torn up, God hears our cries. It’s just a great thing to know that no matter what we’ve done, or what situation we’re in, that God still listens to us when we turn to Him, tell Him we’re sorry, and ask for His help. That’s when God can do something with us and our situations – when we realize what we have done, whether by choice or accident, has gotten us into a mess. Ask God today, to help you in any situation that has you torn and shaken, and allow God to step in.

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Pray

Heavenly Father, we come before you humbly praising you for all you do for us, even in those times we feel so undeserving. Thank you for your Grace, and Mercy, and thank you for the sacrifice of your Son, so that we can be forgiven. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Go with God!